The HOTTEST Study Abroad Destinations (PHOTOS)

While many students travel abroad for academic research or to learn a new language, most go purely to experience a new culture and to have a good time -- plus, there's evidence that the trip could lead to a better GPA. Click through to discover nine of the most popular study abroad destinations from recent years. All statistics come from the Institute of International Education's 2009 report -- see their site for more information.

Where would you go? Or where have you been? Share your experience in the comments section!

1 of 9

1. United Kingdom

1 of 10

First Slide

Previous Slide

@

In 2009, The U.K. attracted 33,333 students with the opportunity to study at some of the best universities in the world, including Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics, and Scotland's University of Edinburgh.

Unemployment Rates By College Major For Recent Grads: Georgetown University Study (June 2013)

Coolest On Campus Art Installations

gadgets/slideshows/216435/slide_216435_802649_small.jpg

The Craziest Annual College Parties

The Best Commencement Quotes Of 2013

10 Ways to Add Value to an Internship or Job

Political Sex Scandals

In 2009, The U.K. attracted 33,333 students with the opportunity to study at some of the best universities in the world, including Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics, and Scotland's University of Edinburgh.

comments(49)

Total comments: 49 | Post a Comment

1 of 10

Rate This Slide

Rank #2  |  Average: 4

I'd rather stay on campus. Sign me up!

• 
  1
• 
  2
• 
  3
• 
  4
• 
  5
• 
  6
• 
  7
• 
  8
• 
  9
• 
  10

Current Top 5 Slides

loading...

Choose your Top 5 Slides

UserName

 | Become a fan

Picked These as the Top 5 Slides in the Slideshow

loading...

Top User Slides

← Prev|Next →

 | Become a fan

Picked These as the Top 5 Slides in the Slideshow

loading...

Users who voted on this slide

← Prev|Next →

loading...

Comments

[educatedvagabond]

12:08 PM on 08/05/2010

England and Ireland, but where is Scotland!? I studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh for a summer and had the most amazing time. Plus, if you go in the summer then you will get to be there for the Fringe Festival.

[Anthony OReilly]

05:36 PM on 08/04/2010

I did Italy for two weeks. So amazing. Best experience of my life.

[LuigiDC]

02:09 PM on 08/03/2010

This is a very eurocentric list. Who chooses this stuff?

[maurage]

09:35 PM on 07/28/2010

For your info, Citizenship and Immigration Canada issues about 130,000 student visa every year.

[maurage]

09:39 PM on 07/28/2010

Most are Chinese, from Hong Kong and SE Asia, not from the US though.

[southernsaint]

05:31 PM on 07/28/2010

Ahh yes, Ireland. Beautiful and rich in musical culture.

[FoxIslander]

05:23 PM on 07/28/2010

My youngest son did a semester at Chiang Mai University in Thailand...he loved it...and the cost was about the same as a semester at his public univ. here in the states. He's currently teaching english (and learning mandarin) in China. Beats waiting tables here.

[sdiaz]

04:15 PM on 07/28/2010

Oaxaca, Mexico.

[Niasia]

12:05 PM on 07/28/2010

I went to Italy for my semester. Very very beautiful...we just happened to arrive the Aug before 9-11 so the experience was a bit different to the least.

[MrVinegar]

07:05 PM on 07/30/2010

I was in Russia for that exact same semester. The people there were so nice and sympathetic to all of us American students. The U.S. embassy steps were covered with fresh cut flowers.

[amsellem]

11:47 AM on 07/28/2010

You should ask those who were in #Israel beside what is said in the media... This will be then a real survey...

[Ljilja]

11:11 AM on 07/28/2010

I went to England for my study abroad program - this was in 1980!

I am glad to see that this glorious country is still on top of the popularity list.

http://graciouslivingdaybyday.com/

[Red Crow]

09:13 AM on 07/28/2010

American students should study abroad in Sub Saharan Africa ... so they can really see what Capitalism gets you.

[sdiaz]

04:13 PM on 07/28/2010

fanned.

[EmilyH18]

01:13 PM on 08/04/2010

fanned. I just got back from 6 months in Botswana. your sentiments are right on!

[EvitaLuisa]

08:11 AM on 07/28/2010

Gooooooo GERMANY!!!!
Not only a great place to visit, a great place to live!
Not to mention: HOTTTTT soccer dudes....everywhere!

[Daws]

09:24 AM on 07/28/2010

Hot soccer dudes you say...hmmm.

[EvitaLuisa]

10:22 PM on 07/28/2010

Shhhurrre! seriously, I'm ALL about that and can send you a few links :))))

In real earnest though, Germany, Austria, ... and many parts of Europe are SO worth visiting. I genuinely hope you consider going there... and soon. I GUARANTEE you will love it so much, it will never leave your mind... ever!

[lillibelle]

07:46 PM on 07/30/2010

Mmmm...I studied at The University of Vienna for one semester. Ah, Wolfgang & the Alps...

[lillibelle]

07:51 PM on 07/30/2010

(oh, ja, deutsche und Herr Klimt, auch.)

[EvitaLuisa]

10:38 PM on 07/30/2010

Wolfgang, the Alps, the Viennese Kaffeehäuser, the palaces, the estates....the HISTORY!!! Wow.... I shoulda mentioned: Austria, in the same breath. Duh! Plus the proximity to the never-to-be forgotten Prague, Hungary, ....... worth everything and then some. Thank you for the reminders, the mental nudge, and the memories :)))
Gotta go back there... soon!

[Ghazala Khan]

04:37 AM on 07/28/2010

I would also like to have a post listing Top Fake Study Abroad Destination. If you ever come to developing nations like Pakistan, you would be shocked to see how many people are getting burned by the fake universities in Europe and other destinations. People send online payments and spend thousands of dollars only to know later that the university existed only on the WWW.

[xiaodashan]

04:28 AM on 07/28/2010

Studied in Edinburgh and Shanghai-the Chinese experience is the bigger eye opener-this country is driven by education and it's a real window into the national soul/vision.Far better jobs in China after graduation too.Not so mercilessly capitalist and they still respect educated people without a crappy ladder of BS to climb.I had my own business at University in Shanghai, i couldn t afford to rent a bicycle in the UK.

[jakekutter99]

06:17 AM on 07/28/2010

What you said is very true. Everyone needs to learn Chinese. I also lived and studied in Shanghai for many years and now live in Beijing. There are great opportunities in this country for many "lao wai" who have experience in specialized fields or who have just graduated and are looking for work here. A lot of kids out of college can easily find work here teaching English these days. But sad to say, on the flip side of things, many Chinese are really struggling to find good paying jobs in their own country. As the cost of living in places like Beijing and Shanghai continues to rise, it's getting tougher for people to get by.

[lillibelle]

07:47 PM on 07/30/2010

I am trying so hard to persuade my sons to learn Mandarin --- the way of the future.

[Lohikaarme]

03:41 AM on 07/28/2010

Let's count, 6 out of the 9 countries mentioned are in Europe and they are the usual (boring) suspects. I would say that to really learn more in life one should try to go on the less traveled roads.